Ahead of the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections, former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, known for aligning himself with various ideological icons over the years, appears to have made another notable shift. In a recent campaign video shared on the official X (formerly Twitter) account of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Kejriwal was seen addressing Delhiites on unemployment—a key issue in his election agenda. What caught public attention, however, were the two statues prominently featured in the background: one of Mahatma Gandhi and the other of Gautam Buddha.
This move has sparked speculation about a change in Kejriwal’s symbolic affiliations. Over the years, Kejriwal has often showcased his admiration for a diverse range of icons, from Hanuman to freedom fighter Bhagat Singh and social reformer Dr. BR Ambedkar. In this latest video, the absence of Bhagat Singh’s imagery, which has long been associated with his campaigns, is being interpreted by many as a strategic pivot towards Gandhi and Buddha’s ideals, possibly to appeal to a broader voter base.
Kejriwal’s use of iconography has frequently made headlines. During his five-month imprisonment in the Delhi liquor policy case, video messages shared by his wife, Sunita Kejriwal, from jail prominently featured portraits of Bhagat Singh and Ambedkar, signaling his alignment with their revolutionary and reformist philosophies. In stark contrast, the latest visuals seem to distance him from these figures, raising questions about whether this shift reflects a deeper ideological change or merely a calculated election strategy.
This isn’t the first time Kejriwal’s changing affiliations have drawn public scrutiny. Critics often label him a “confused politician” for what they perceive as opportunistic posturing. The timing of this shift—on the cusp of state elections—has only fueled such accusations.